Lavender Roo advice, my first Roo

[SandyRiverChick]

Just found out these 2 pullets are actually 1 pullet, 1 roo..... Well as sure I can be at this age - 10weeks. No crowing yet but especially from the side by side comparison, he has a strong pink/red going on where the other does not. So now what? I've never had a roo. I've had hens for years and thought I knew enough but now I feel very new.... I'm thinking of separating these 2 from my others (3 beauties about to lay - RIR, BO, BR). I have plenty of room so I would separate just to not cause rooster stress and mounting to the others. Questions are: I've asked the breeder if they are siblings (might be from 2 different coops actually,) because I assume that matters in breeding? And what if they are, I've been reading that breeding LO to LO = weak feathers - ? I wouldn't do an intentional breeding, just trying to be prepared for the scenarios. A last option is give Roo away but I'm not decided yet. Obviously looking for advice and discussion to help with my decision. TIA for any feedback!!

 

[SunHwaKwon]

The only way to get lavender is to breed lavender to lavender, so that tells you it's a common practice. After a few generations people will often bring in a black to mix up the genes and strengthen the feathers. The offspring will all be black, and then breeding them back together or to a lavender will get you back to building up a lavender flock for several generations. Inbreeding is fine. Generally, if you are doing a breeding program, breeding show birds etc, you don't want full siblings to breed since you have higher chance of recessive issues rearing their heads. Usually it can take several generations for their to be issues so finding out just how related the birds might be can help you make your decision.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

I would wait to see if it’s a for sure boy,it doesn’t have a huge comb.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

The only way to get lavender is to breed lavender to lavender, so that tells you it's a common practice. After a few generations people will often bring in a black to mix up the genes and strengthen the feathers. The offspring will all be black, and then breeding them back together or to a lavender will get you back to building up a lavender flock for several generations. Inbreeding is fine. Generally, if you are doing a breeding program, breeding show birds etc, you don't want full siblings to breed since you have higher chance of recessive issues rearing their heads. Usually it can take several generations for their to be issues so finding out just how related the birds might be can help you make your decision.

REALLY appreciate the insight! Thank you.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

I would wait to see if it’s a for sure boy,it doesn’t have a huge comb.

Indeed I am hopeful that it's a pullet. It was the breeder that saw the pic and told me it's likely cockerel but the jury is still out! Thanks!

 

[LilJoe]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/lavender-orpington-genetics-question.186133/

 

[SunHwaKwon]

REALLY appreciate the insight! Thank you.

No problem. I have a lavender Ameraucana and two Pearl (lavender mottled) Old English. My little OE Cockerel doesn't seem too bad in the feathers but you can definitely see it in my other two birds, even my little pullet thats only coming up on 16 weeks old.